An ostomy pouch can sometimes suddenly inflate like a small balloon. This may feel uncomfortable, become noticeable under clothing, or make you worry that something is wrong.
In most cases, passing gas through the stoma is a normal part of digestion. The goal is not to eliminate gas completely, but to reduce excessive buildup in the pouch and know how to manage it properly.
Why Does an Ostomy Pouch Fill With Gas?
Gas buildup happens when gas enters the pouch faster than it can escape.
Several factors can contribute.
1. Food and Eating Habits
Some foods may produce more gas for certain people, including beans, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and carbonated drinks.
However, everyone responds differently, so there is usually no need to avoid all foods that are commonly associated with gas.
How you eat can also make a difference.
Eating too quickly, talking while eating, drinking through a straw, or chewing gum may cause you to swallow more air, which can increase gas in the digestive tract.
2. Digestive Changes and Other Factors
Gas may be more noticeable or less predictable while your digestive system is adjusting after surgery.
Digestive conditions, as well as some medications or supplements, may also affect gas production.
If gas suddenly increases, persists, or begins after starting a new medication, speak with a healthcare professional rather than stopping or changing the medication on your own.
How Can You Reduce Gas in Your Ostomy Pouch?
Gas cannot always be prevented, but a few everyday adjustments may help reduce how much builds up.
1. Eat Slowly and Reduce Swallowed Air
Try to eat more slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
If you regularly talk while eating, chew gum, use straws, or drink a lot of carbonated beverages, reducing these habits may help.
2. Identify Your Own Food Triggers
You do not need to avoid a food simply because it is known to cause gas in some people.
If you notice that a particular food repeatedly leads to more gas, try eating less of it and see whether things improve.
Keeping a simple food and gas diary can also help you identify your own patterns over time.
3. Consider a Pouch With a Gas Filter
Some ostomy pouches include a filter designed to allow gas to escape gradually while helping reduce odor.
If pouch ballooning happens frequently, you may want to consider whether a pouching system with a filter is suitable for your stoma and daily routine.
What Should You Do If Gas Has Already Built Up in the Pouch?
If gas has already built up in the pouch, the best approach depends on the type of pouching system you use.
1. Use the Pouch’s Built-In Venting Feature
If your pouch includes a filter or another venting feature, follow the product instructions for releasing gas.
Avoid squeezing the pouch forcefully, as this may increase the risk of leakage.
2. Follow Product Instructions for Some Two-Piece Systems
With some two-piece pouching systems, gas may be released through the connection between the pouch and skin barrier.
Afterward, make sure the pouch is securely reattached to the skin barrier.
Because connection systems vary between products, always follow the instructions provided with your specific pouching system.
When Should You Be More Concerned?
Gas passing through the stoma by itself is usually not a cause for concern.
However, seek medical advice if increased bloating or gas is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Significant or persistent abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increasing abdominal swelling
- A noticeable decrease or complete stop in stoma output
- Symptoms that continue to worsen or do not improve
These symptoms may need further medical assessment.
Conclusion
Pouch ballooning is something many people with an ostomy experience from time to time.
Rather than trying to eliminate gas completely, focus on identifying the eating and lifestyle habits that work best for you and using your pouching system’s venting features correctly.
As you become more familiar with your stoma and your body, managing pouch ballooning often becomes much easier.